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You have to admit that using your smartphone for Google Maps directions while navigating the streets of an unfamiliar place or city while convenient, can be something of an eye strain not to mention a dangerous thing to do. But there is some good news for you if you own an Amazon Kindle. You can use the Kindle GPS feature to run the Google Maps application and provide you with the required directions, thus giving an added benefit from your Kindle. This is a very handy feature to be able to access.
But is the Kindle the only ebook reader that offers this advantage?
It seems that one of the Kindle's closest competition, the Barnes & Noble Nook, does allow the use of Google Maps as well. But there is one catch and it is that you can only use it when you are in a WiFi area as the Nook is only equipped with WiFi connectivity. This could severely limit your use of the gadget especially when you are in an area where you need directions fast but don't know where you can get WiFi connection. There are still some areas where WiFi is not available and this is where the Kindle comes into it's own as far as being able to connect you without WiFi availability.
On the other hand, Kindle's web capabilities are far better for getting directions online because of its 3G connectivity. The additional bonus is that it is free! But how do you get the Google Maps application using the Kindle GPS? There are some steps you should follow:
1. On your Amazon Kindle, you should press Menu, then select the Experimental section of your device, and click on Basic Web. For purposes of getting text-only directions, using the basic web mode is just right and will take much less time to retrieve than if you're in the Advanced or Desktop mode.
2. Before you proceed, it is best to do a Clear Cache first to free up some of your memory for web browsing.
3. Then you should click on Menu to choose Go to Top or Enter URL. Then type in maps.google.com/m/directions.
4. Use the five-way controller until you reach the Go To section. You will then be taken to the text directions for Google Maps.
5. It is a good idea to bookmark this page (using the Menu button again) so that you won't need to type the URL again upon repeated use of the application.
6. Again using the five-way control button, enter data on the To and From fields. Then choose from the options 'By car', 'By transit', 'Walking', and 'Bicycling'.
With the Kindle GPS and its experimental features, the Amazon Kindle can take you to different places - not only through reading, but literally using Google Maps.
Megan Sara Jones is the author of four Ebooks published on Amazon. For more information on this article, or all things connected with Kindle readers or Ebooks please visit Everything Kindle.
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